Splash-down for boys

The Gibbs Aquada amphibious car has been referred to as "the ultimate Big Boys' toy", so it was no surprise yesterday to see Richard Branson driving one across the English Channel to set a new record. Just in case anyone missed the cinematic reference, he was wearing a "(James) Bond-style dinner jacket".

Rather oddly, the Virgin Group chairman's exploit threatened to steal the thunder from the first scheduled journey of a Pendolino train to actually tilt - on a 50-mile section of line. Once the new fleet starts pendolining properly, incidents such as that of the two trains last week whose air conditioning was immobilised by "the wrong sort of dust" may be easier to forget. While users complain of restricted luggage room and inadequate seating, at least it can be said that Virgin Trains has made a considerable investment in new infrastructure.

Thankfully Virgin Atlantic's planes always tilt on demand, but they may leave some business passengers behind if Mr Branson goes ahead with his plan to use the Aquada for them when traffic is too heavy. Unfortunately the Thames does not flow past Heathrow and they will have to finish their journey on a notoriously congested road - unless the driver can press a button and soar overhead.